I read The Bear and the Nightingale before it came out, so it has been a while since I was in Vasya’s world. This sequel begins with her family, which took a little time to get used to, but once I did, I was hooked. Although I enjoyed reading more about the other family members in this book, Vasya’s perspective is where the book captivates you. Quickly I snuggled back into the book and the way politics and history are seamlessly interwoven with magic and intense family relationships.
I am consistently in love with Vasya, and I’ll continue reading this series forever. But in this book, more than the previous one, we are introduced more fully to a world where women are silenced and scapegoated as witches. For Vasya, her options are limited: get married or live in a convent, so this book is where she shines. I adored the way Arden illustrates the social commentary on the ways society will not accept those who will not shave away parts of themselves to fit into expectations.
I am consistently in love with Vasya, and I’ll continue reading this series forever. But in this book, more than the previous one, we are introduced more fully to a world where women are silenced and scapegoated as witches. For Vasya, her options are limited: get married or live in a convent, so this book is where she shines. I adored the way Arden illustrates the social commentary on the ways society will not accept those who will not shave away parts of themselves to fit into expectations.